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GibbsCAM Now Supports STEP AP224 Protocol

Gibbs and Associates (www.gibbscam.com), developer of GibbsCAM software for programming CNC machine tools, has completed a collaborative effort in conjunction with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) which allows GibbsCAM to read STEP Application Protocol 224 (AP224) files. STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) AP224 is the foundation format within the STEP Manufacturing Suite of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This robust suite of STEP Application Protocols addresses the data requirements extending from product design through manufacturing engineering to machining using numerically controlled machine tools to final inspection. STEP AP224 specifically supports the transfer of manufacturable product information between design engineering and manufacturing engineering groups and includes both geometric and product manufacturing information such as features with dimensions and tolerances.

“STEP AP224 represents the next generation of product model data,” John Callen, Gibbs’ vice president of marketing said. “Not only does AP224 contain the geometry of the product, but it also includes the other information required to have a complete product specification necessary for machining. Traditionally, this product information has only been available to the manufacturing group through a set of separate engineering drawings. This initial step allows us to gauge the market’s reception of AP224 while establishing a technical foundation upon which further enhancements can be developed.”

The STEP AP224 interface was implemented under funding from the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC), a key client of SCRA. In the interest of improving overall operational efficiency and reducing deployment and maintenance expenses, various branches of the Department of Defense have been investing in STEP-based technologies. Today, a number of STEP formats are in use in various military maintenance depots throughout the United States.

“We see GibbsCAM’s support of AP224 as an important step in its commercial deployment and adoption,” Dr. William Freeman, SCRA’s director of research and development said. “We believe that AP224 has considerable applicability outside the military supply chain and this is an excellent way to demonstrate that value to manufacturers of commercial goods. This also provides our military clients with a commercially available CAD/CAM system which is capable of meeting their mission requirements.”

Cimatron Limited (www.cimatron.com) has recently purchased Gibbs and Associates to extend its position as a leading supplier of integrated computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing software.